KINVER MP Gavin Williamson has been sent by Theresa May to hold talks with the Democratic Unionist Party as she seeks to shore up her position in Number 10.

Mr Williamson, 40, who has been kept on as Chief Whip by the Prime Minister after retaining his South Staffordshire seat on Thursday, has been flown out to Belfast to open discussions with the DUP for talks on “how best they can provide support” a Conservative government.

The Prime Minister has made clear she wants support from her "friends and allies" in Northern Ireland's DUP to secure her minority administration ahead of the Queen's Speech on June 19.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Chief Whip is in Belfast holding talks with the DUP on how best they can provide support to the Government. We will not be providing a running commentary."

Mrs May lost her commons majority after her decision to call a snap General Election backfired, but hopes to receive support from the 10 DUP MPs.

Mr Williamson, who is reportedly well-liked within the Tory Party, has held onto his post of Chief Whip after previously serving as David Cameron's parliamentary private secretary.